Skill Level: BEGINNER

Four tests in 18 months are seen as a sign of the Communist nation’s continuing efforts to make advanced weapons. But China said the tests are, in its words, “purely scientific." Experts worry China could someday lead the United States in developing these super-fast weapons. More

Sri Lanka plans to store and use a billion cubic meters of rainwater each year to support irrigation and power generation. The rainwater would go into the sea if it is not used. Sri Lanka is building the new water management system in the country's dry zone. More

Russia’s newest anti-NGO law, under which the National Endowment for Democracy is declared an “undesirable organization” prohibited from operating in Russia, is the latest evidence that the regime of President Vladimir Putin faces a worsening crisis of political legitimacy. More

Kenya will receive more support to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. The country will be part of the United States’ DREAMS project aimed at reducing HIV infections among young women. The U.S., the Nike Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have provided money for the effort. More

The US has promised not to give up its fight against human trafficking. The State Department released its 2015 report on human trafficking this week. It examines the illegal movement of people for forced labor or sex. But some question whether the the report was not harsh enough on some countries. More

May, Might and Must are modal verbs that cause confusion for some learners. The Everyday Grammar team is on the job, explaining how to use these modals to express how certain, or sure, you are of something. You can also use one of them to tell about your wishes for the future. More

This classic American story features a scarecrow that comes to life. Find out what adventures he has as he looks for love and admiration. His only problem is that he has to keep puffing on the pipe the witch gave him. If he stops - something terrible may happen! More

Studies have shown that children from poor families have more difficulty in school than other boys and girls. Children with higher socioeconomic roots seem better prepared and perform better on school tests. Now, American researchers may have found a biological reason for that difference. More

Researchers reviewed 61 studies from around the world; they discovered cigarette smoking is three times more common among those with schizophrenia who were receiving medical care for the illness for the first time compared to people who did not have the mental disorder. More

Fifty years ago, folk music legend Bob Dylan rocked out at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island on an electric guitar. He was widely booed. The audience may have been unhappy with Dylan’s performance that day, but it changed the direction of music and culture in the United States. More